Posted on 09/21/2017 11:38:46 AM PDT by Carpe Cerevisi
The Orthodox Church in the United States has problems. One of the problems the Orthodox Church currently suffers in this country is a lack of converts. There are other problems as well: overlapping jurisdictions, lack of communication across jurisdictional lines, and a tendency to isolate ourselves from communities in which we live. But it is our lack of converts that strikes me as particularly troubling.
Doubtlessly, some will correct me and remind me that the Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Church in America are made up largely of converts. While this is certainly the case, it may be so only from a numbers perspective (though, together, they comprise less than 20% of Orthodox in America). “But how else can we measure a shortage or a surplus of converts except in terms of numbers?” some may ask.
First, let’s examine what is meant by convert. Most of us would say that a convert is a person who was not raised in the Orthodox Faith but later chose to embrace it. By this definition, I am a convert. I was raised in the Episcopal Church up to the age of 13, when my parents moved us to the Roman Catholic Church. I was 23 when I embraced Orthodox Christianity.
(Excerpt) Read more at blogs.ancientfaith.com ...
Thus, what was what was known as “The Great Commission” for followers of Christ: “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel (good news).”
Oooops! Thus, was what was known as . . . .
Ping!
I doubt that most Americans even know what the Eastern Orthodox Churches are. Most Americans know that the Catholic Church is the one with the Pope, and that the other churches are Protestant. But I would guess that that is about as far as their knowledge goes.
Good article.
I believe you are absolutely correct.
Save Thy people, O Lord,
and bless Thine inheritance.
Grant victory to Thy Church over her enemies,
and protect Thy people by Thy Holy Cross!
My Antiochian parish began 25 years ago as a Mission with 5 families.
The average Sunday attendance is around 150, drawing folks from six counties in south central Pennsyvlania. There used to be a couple of families in northern Maryland...until they moved into PA specifically to be closer to their church.
Probably 80% of this vibrant congregation are converts. There are around 8 - 10 Chrismations each year. This past Holy Saturday a family of six (thirtyish Mom & Dad and four children) were received by Chrismation and Baptism.
The Priest is a former Lutheran Pastor. The Deacons were former RC and Episcopalian. The congregants include 6 former clergy (three of those Mennonite!) and a former Episcopal novice nun.
As I get around the Archdiocese, however, I am becoming increasingly aware that this congregation is a truly blessed exception. Many of the ethnic congregations are stugling and more than a few are on life support.
That’s wonderful lightman! I’m currently an inquirer in an OCA parish.
I fear you are correct.
The "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church" is the first Christian church.
Rome’s claim of a universal papal supremacy caused the creation of “The Roman Catholic Church”. Martin Luther’s 95 theses started the Protestant Reformation and creation of the “Church of England”.
The "One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church" continues today virtually unchanged as "The Orthodox Church”.
Religions, like all organizations once institutionalized, are prone to corruption over time. This is true of unions, governments, and churches.
The Eastern Orthodox Church avoided the corruption by following the New Testament Covenant without making up or adding rules not in accordance with scripture.
The Byzantine Catholic Church is Catholic in every way, is loyal to the Throne of St. Peter in Rome. But it is ceremonial, traditional, and unique. If you like smells and bells, come check us out! PS: There are something like 22 recognized RITES in the Catholic Church.
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